Reader printer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprising a projection lens, a first reflector and a second reflector wherein a frame of desired information of a microfilm or microfiche placed on a predetermined projection position in the apparatus, has its picture projected through the projection lens and first and second reflectors on a screen of the light transmission type to form an enlarged image of the information on it which can be observed from outside the apparatus. When it is desired to make a duplicate of the information on an enlarged scale, the second reflector is withdrawn from the path of light projection and an optical image of the information is transmitted through the projection lens and first reflector to the surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive sheet electrically charged uniformly beforehand to form an electrostatic latent image which is then developed into a visible image to provide a duplicate of the information.

United States Patent [191 Yamada Oct. 16, 1973 [54] READER PRINTERPrimary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews [75] I to Hi o hi Yamada, lchikawa,Japan Assistant Examiner-Richard A. Wintercorn Attorney-Robert S. Dunhamet a1. [73] Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan [22] Filed: May 1,1972 [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus comprising a projection lens, a firstre- [211 App]. No" 249,029 flector and a second reflector wherein aframe of desired information of a microfilm or microfiche placed ForeignApplimtion Priomy Data on a predetermined projection position in theappara- May 6, 1971 Japan 46/30039 tus, has its picture projectedthrough the projection lens and first and second reflectors on a screenof the [52] US. Cl 355/45, 355/27, 355/65 light transmission type toform an enlarged image of [51] Int. Cl. G03b 13/28 the information on itwhich can be observed from out- [58] Field of Search 355/5, 45, 64, 65side the apparatus. When it is desired to make a duplicate of theinformation on an enlarged scale, the seca 0nd reflector is withdrawnfrom the path of light pro- [56] Referen es Cit d jection and an opticalimage of the information is UNITED STATES PATENTS gansmittec;l throighthe proljectionh lens an: first reector to t e su ace 0 an e ectropotograp ic p oto- 313133232 3132; 3$f21*?f.ff3.11:31......:::::::::::iii/ii sessissve shees eleessieslly ehessee unseemly beforehand to forman electrostatic latent image which is then developed into a visibleimage to provide a duplicate of the information.

9 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures x l I PATENTED 0U 16 I975 SHEET 1 0f 6 FIGSPAIENTEDnm 16 I915 SHEET 2 0F 6 FIG.3

READER PRINTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates towhat are generally referred to as reader printers which project apicture of information on a screen for observation and which make aduplicate of the information when desired.

Reader printers permit any frame as desired of a microfllm or microfichecarrying information on a reduced scale to be projected on a screen onan enlarged scale for observation and also make, when required, aduplicate for the information on an enlarged scale.

In one type of reader printer known in the art, which is referred to asa light transmission type, a picture of the desired information isprojected on a screen made of a vitreous material formed therein with amat surface or a vitreous material which is semitransparent itself fordirect observation. In this type machine, two reflectors are employed toobtain formation of an erect image on the screen, and duplication of anerect image on a photosensitive sheet is achieved by switching the pathof light between the projection operation and exposure operation throughmoving one of the reflectors. The projection lens is arranged in aposition in a lower portion of the machine so that the informationrecording medium, such for example as microfilm or microfiche, can bemanipulated in a position which permits ready access to it.

It is required in this type of reader printers when moving one of thereflectors out of the path of light to change the direction of light inorder to expose a photosensitive sheet to an optical image of thepicture carrying desired information, that the screen be shielded fromlight during the exposure operation to keep fog from being produced onthe photosensitive sheet by the light leaked through the screen.

It is also essential in moving one of the reflectors out of the path oflight that means be provided to preclude damage to the projection lensand its optical system during movement and not to interfere with thepath of light. This end may be attained by moving the reflector to aside opposite to the projection lens and its optical system with respectto the path of light and shielding the screen by another lightintercepting plate. In such case, however, the reflector and the lightintercepting plate will be required to be formed separately andindependently. This will render support and operation devices morecomplex than would otherwise be the case and makes it impossible toobtain an overall compact size in a reader print. I

SUMMARY or THE INVENTION The present invention provides a reader printerwherein one of the two reflectors is supported for pivotal motion bysupport means which is constructed such that movement of one reflectorinto and away from the path of light does notcause damage to the opticalsystem of the projection lens and does not interfere with the path oflight. This one reflector is moved upwardly of the projection lens to arear side of the screen to function as a light intercepting plate forthe screen when a photosensitive sheet is exposed to an optical image ofa picture carrying desired information.

The reader printer according to this invention offers the advantage thatit is possible to switch the apparatus between the projection operationand the duplicate making operation by merely moving one of thereflectors into or away from the path oflight, said one reflectorserving as a light intercepting plate for the screen when a duplicatemaking operation is being performed. This permits the apparatus to besimplified and affords enough room for other devices without damagingthe optical system of the projection lens or interfering with the pathof light.

The printer section of the reader printer according to this inventionmay consist of a copier of the electrophotographic type. Aphotosensitive sheet of suitable material may be employed and supplymeans may be incorporated, which uses a web of photosensitive materialin roll form or a stack of photosensitive sheets already cut at adesired size for supplying photosensitive sheets one after another forduplication.

It has been found, however, that by incorporating a copier of the wetdeveloping electrophotographic type in the apparatus as the printersection, it is possible to provide a duplicate of high quality with awell-defined and clear image formed thereon quickly and at low cost.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a reader printerwherein an operation panel is provided below the screen to facilitateoperation of the apparatus, so that a completed duplicate can bedischarged from the apparatus at the operators side.

A further object of the invention is to provide a reader printer whereinvarious devices are arranged most reasonably and can operate mostefficiently in cooperation with one another, and the apparatus as awhole is compact in size.

These and other objects of the invention are pointed out in thefollowing description in terms of the embodiment thereof which is shownin the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of thereader printer comprising a preferred embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel of the reader printer shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the reader printer shown in FIG. 1 showingits internal mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top plate of the shelf portion ofthe reader printer according to this invention permitting eithermicrifllm feed means or microfiche holding means to be selectivelymounted thereon; I

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the microfilm feed means;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the bottom plate of the micrifilm feedmeans showing its construction;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the microfiche holding means;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of I the projection lens bodytube operatingmechanism of the reader printer according to this invention;

FIG. 9 is a developed sectional view of the projection lens bodytubeoperating mechanism taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the second reflector and the lightintercepting plate operating mechanism of the reader printer accordingto this invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the second reflector and the lightintercepting plate showing their manner of operation;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the gear section of the light interceptingplate operating mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a developed sectional view of the gear section taken alongthe line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second reflector and the lightintercepting plate support and operating mechanisms; and

FIGS. 15a and 15b are a side view of the first and second cam wheels forcontrolling the operation of the second reflector and the lightintercepting plate and the control switches associated with the camwheels.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1, there is shown a readerprinter generally designated 1 comprising one embodiment of thisinvention. This reader printer has a printer section incorporatinganelectrophotographic copier of the wet developing type which uses a rollof photosensitive strip formed on its surface with a photoelectricmaterial layer as by applying a coat of zinc oxide. The invention willnow be described in some detail with reference to the embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reader printer 1 includes a screen 2 mounted at a frontside'of an upper portion of a casing 1a, housing therein thereaderprinter which is substantially square in shape. Disposed below screen 2is a forwardly projecting shelf section 4 formed on its upper surfacewith an operation panel 3 slightly inclined forwardly. I

Formed between shelf section 4 and screen 2 is a recess 5 which isadapted to selectively receive therein microfilm feed means 6 shown inFIG. 5 or microfiche holding means 66 shown in FIG. 7 which willsubsequently'be described.

A lid 7 which is removed when a roll of photosensitive material is to bereplenished is provided in an upper rear-portion of easing 1a of readerprinter 1. Lids 8and 9 are provided on a rear portion and lids l and 11are provided at opposite sides of casing la of reader .ring 14 ismountedina front portion of lid 11 at the right side of reader printer 1.

As shown in FIG. 2 a main switch button 15, a photosensitive sheet sizesetting knob 16, a photosensitive sheet amount indication window 17, adeveloping liquid quantity indication window 18, a microfilm feedcontrol knob 19, a printing instruction button 20, an exposure controlknob 21, and a duplicate number setting dial 22 are provided onoperation panel 3. Turning of photosensitive sheet size setting knob 16counter clockwise in the figure permits duplicates to be obtained infull-size sheets, while turning thereof clockwise permits duplicates tobe obtained in half-size sheets. The operation panel 3 shown anddescribed is intended solely for microfilm and can be replaced by anoperationpanel for microfiche.

Microfilm feed control knob 19 is adapted to control microfilm feedmeans 6 when-the latter is mounted in recess shown in FIG. 1. If knob 19is turned counter clockwise in FIG. 2, the microfilm will be moved in anormal direction and wound; if it is turned clockwise, the microfilmwill be moved in a reverse direction and rewound. By varying the anglethrough which knob 19 is turned, it is possible to vary the rate atwhich the microfilm is fed.

The microfilm feed means 6 is mounted in recess 5 as shown in FIG. 3,comprises an upper gate plate 23 and a lower gate plate 24 made as oftransparent glass which is adapted to hold therebetween any frame of themicrofilm as desired after the microfilm is fed and moved back and forthto locate the desired frame. Light source means 27 consisting of a lamp25 and a condenser lens 26 is mounted in shelf section 4 and disposedbelow the two gate plates 23 and 24. A bodytube 28 having a built-inprojection lens assembly subsequently to be described is mounted abovethe two gate plates 23 and 24. Light source means 27 and body-tube 28are disposed in optical relation with the projection lens. Microfilmfeed means 6 is brought to the projection position by aligning the twogate plates 23 and 24 with the optical axis 01 of condenser lens 26 andthe projection lens assembly.

The optical axis 01 of condenser lens 26 and projection lens assemblyextends upwardly in FIG. 3 in which a first reflector 29 is shown asbeing arranged in reader printer 1 near its left upper comer. Firstreflector 29 is inclined so as to reflect rearwardly downwardly of thecasing 1a, the light incident thereon along the optical axis 01 from theprojection lens assembly. Disposed in the path of light reflected byfirst reflector 29 is a second reflector 30, also inclined, so as toreflect forwardly of the casing la the light from first reflector 29.The light reflected by second reflector 30 is thrown onto screen 2 andthe projected picture forms an image thereon. Thus, the informationrecorded on a reduced scale on microfilm is shown on the screen on anenlarged scale.

In FIG. 4, shelf section 4 is shown to include a top plate 31constituting the bottom of recess 5 which is formed therein with acircular opening 32 for permitting therethrough the light moving alongthe optical axis 01 of condenser lens 26 and projection lens assem-'bly, and a pair of slots 33 and 34 for cooling air to pass therethroughwhich are disposed opposite each other with respect to circular opening32. Two screws and I 36 are connected to a forward portion of top plate31 by being threaded into the plate from its underside. A headed pin 37is attached to a rearward portion of top plate 31, and a jack 39 forproviding connection to a plug 38 shown in FIG. 5 for microfilm feedmeans 6 is provided on a leftward portion ofa rear wall for controllingfeeding of microfilm.

As seen in FIG. 5 microfilm feed means 6 has a bottom plate 40 which isslidable relative to a support plate 41 shown in FIG.'6, so that means 6is mounted for free movement back and forth relative to support plate41. Formed in support plate 41 are a cutout 42' adapted to engage theheaded pin 37 shown in FIG. 4, threaded openings 43, and 44 threadablyreceiving therein the screws 35 and 36, a circular opening 45 alignedwith circular opening 32 and a slot 46 aligned with slot 34.

In mountingmicrofilm feed means 6 in recess 3, cutout 42 is brought intoengagement with headed pin 37 and screws 35 and 36 are threadablyconnected to threaded openings 43 and 44 respectively after plug 38 isconnected to jack 39. Thus support plate 41 is first firmly secured totop plate 31. Support plate 41 is formed therein as shown in FIG. 6 witha framed portion 47 having a cam receiver 48 secured to one end edgethereof. Maintained in engagement with cam receiver 47 is a discaleccentric cam 50 which is supported by a shaft 49 connected to bottomplate 40. A presser 53 mounted on threaded rods 51 and 52 connected toframed portion 47 presses against eccentric cam 50 from a side oppositecam receiver 48 with respect to the cam. Preferably, presser 53 is madeof nylon or other material. However, it may be made of metal.

Secured to an end portion of shaft 49 projecting outwardly of bottomplate 40 is a projection position adjusting knob 54 (FIG. 5)which'serves the purpose of bringing microfilm feed means 6 to theprojection position.

Movement of bottom plate 40 relative to support plate 41 can be obtainedby turning knob 54 to achieve in support plate 41 are a cutout 42adapted to engage the headed pin 37 shown in FIG. 4, threaded openings43 and 44 threadably receiving therein the screws 35 and 36, a circularopening 45 aligned with circular opening 32 and a slot 46 aligned withslot 34.

In mounting microfilm feed means 6 in recess 5, cutout 42 is broughtinto engagement with headed pin 37 and screws 35 and 36 are threadablyconnected to threaded openings 43 and 44 respectively after plug 38 isconnected to jack 39. Thus, support plate 41 is first firmly secured totop plate 31. Support plate 41 is formed therein as shown in FIG. 6 witha framed-portion 47 having a cam receiver 48 secured to one end edgethereof. Maintained in engagement with cam receiver 47 is a discaleccentric cam 50 which is supported by a shaft 49 connected to bottomplate 40. A presser 53 mounted on threaded rods 51 and 52 connected toframed portion 47 presses against eccentric cam 50 from a side oppositecam receiver 48 with respect to the cam. Preferably, presser 53 is madeof nylon or other material." However, it may be made of metal.

Secured to an end portion of shaft 49 projecting outwardly of bottomplate 40 is a projection position adjusting knob 54, (FIG. 5) whichserves the purpose of bringing microfilm feed means 6 to the projectionposition.

Movement of bottom plate .40 relative to support plate 41 can beobtained by turning knob 54 to achieve fine adjustments of the relativepositions of the two plates 40 and 41. As a result, microfilm feed means6 moves as a whole back and forth in sliding motion, thereby permittinga frame of microfilm carrying desired information to be placed in theprojection position by moving the microfilm.

Referring again to FIG. 5, aforementioned gate plates 23, 24 are shownfitted in a middle portion of the front side of microfilm feed means 6.A slot 55, permitting light to pass therethrough, is aligned withcircular openings 32 and 45 formed in top plate 31 (shown in FIG. 4) andsupport plate 41 respectively. Microfilm feed means 6 canbe brought tothe projection position by operating projection position adjusting knob54 to move microfilm feed means 6 as a whole so as to place gate plates23, 24 on the optical axis 01 of condenser lens 26 and projection lens.Microfilm feed means 6 is also provided in left and right front portionsthereof with a microfilm feed section 56 and microfilm take-up section57 which house therein a microfilm supply reel 58 and a microfilmtake-up reel 59 respectively. Reels 58 and 59 are adapted to be drivenby a drive mechanism provided in microfilm feed means 6 for moving themicrofilm in the normal and reverse directions to bring a desired frameinto alignment with gate plates 23, 24.

An open reel or a film cartridge can be selectively mounted in microfilmsupply section 56 which is provided with a door 60 that is closed aftera film is mounted on the reel. In microfilm take-up section 57, providedwith the film take-up reel 59, the amount of film wound on reel 59 isindicated by a pointer 61. This section 57 is provided with a door 63having therein a window 62 of the arcuate slot shape which mountstherein a transparent plate. When door 63 is closed, pointer 61 can beseen through window 62.

The microfilm mounted on supply reel 58 can be moved both in the normaland reverse directions by manipulating microfilm feed control knob 19shown in FIG. 2 so as to detect and bring a desired frame to theprojection position. Provided at a right side of microfilm feed means 6in the vicinity of gate plates 23, 24 is a feed knob 65 which permitsfeed of microfilm to be performed manually to facilitate precise movingof the microfilm back and forth to detect a desired frame.

Microfilm feed means 6 is constructed as aforementioned. Automatic framedetection means may be connected, if desired to feed means 6.

Microfiche holding means 66 which can be mounted in recess 5 in place ofmicrofilm feed means 6 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7.In the figure, a support plate 67 is shown as being formed therein witha rear edge cutout 68, threaded opening 69, 70 near its front edge,central opening 71 and a slot 72 each respectively corresponding to thecutout 42, threaded openings 43, 44 and opening 45 and slot 46 formed inthe support plate 41 of microfilm feed means 6 as shown in FIG. 6.Support plate 67 is also formed therein with a slot 73 corresponding tothe slot 33 formed in top plate 31 as shown in FIG. 4. Slots 72 and 73are covered with shields 74 and 75 respectively for preventing leakageof light.-

Microfiche holding means 66 can be secured in place on top plate 3ll by.bringing the cutout 68 formed in support plate 67 into engagement withheaded pin 37 shown in FIG. 4 and bringing screws 35 and 36 intothreadable engagement in threaded openings 69 and 70 respectively.Support plate 67 has two side walls 76 and 77 each formed on rearwardportions of inner surfaces thereof with a rectangular recess 78 (such'recess of side wall 77 only is shown). A rail 79 is arrangedhorizontally on a lower portion of each rectangular recess 78. A roller81 is secured to each of opposite ends of a movable shaft rides on rail79. A gear 82 is secured to each of opposite ends of movable shaft 80 tobe disposed outwardly of the respective roller 81, with such gear beingmaintained in meshing engagement with a rack 83 arranged horizontally onan upper portion of each rectangular recess 78. Being supported asaforementioned, movable shaft 80 can move between side walls 76, 77 in ahorizontal plane in a direction normal to the shaft without tilting.

A base plate support frame having a transparent microfiche holding baseplate 84 secured to its upper surface is slidably mounted on movableshaft 80 by loosely fitting on movable shaft 80 mounting portions 86, 87attached to opposite ends of a rear side of the frame. Thus, framev 85is movable in sliding motion along movable shaft 80.

Base plate support frame 85 has depending portions 88 and 89 at oppositesides thereof. A slot 90 is formed in each of depending portions 88 an89 (such slot of slot 88 only is shown) for loosely receiving therein afixed shaft 91 firmly secured to opposite side walls 76 and 77 so as toslidably support a front portion of base plate support frame 85. It isto be understood that other support means than the one described above,such means as supporting the base plate support frame merely on a fixedshaft, for example, may be used in this invention.

A transparent presser plate 92 corresponding to transparent base plate84 is secured to the underside of a presser plate support frame 93 whichhas attached to opposite sides of a rear portion thereof mountingportions 94, 95 which are loosely fitted over tubular portions (notshown) of the mounting portions 86, 87 of base plate support frame 85.Thus presser plate support frame 93 is secured to base plate support 85for movement between an upright position and a lying position. Amicrofiche sheet is held between the two plates 84 and 92, with theposition of the microfiche sheet being determined by positioning members96, 9 7 normally tending to move upwardly.

Stiffening plates 98, 99 are provided at opposite sides of the rearportion of presser plate support frame 93 for engagement with themounting portions 86, 87 of base plate support frame 85 to preventpresser plate support frame 93 from becoming wobbly. Any other meansthan the meansshown and described may be used for supporting the presserplate support frame on the base plate support frame for movement betweenan upright position and a lying position. For example, the presser platesupport frame may be directly connected to the base plate support framefor movement between the aforementioned positions.

A metallic support fixture 106 is firmly secured to the right portion ofthe front side of base plate support frame 85 and includes arms 101, 102projecting forwardly and mounting therebetween a shaft 104 supporting anindicator supporter 103. A transparent holddown plate 105 is mounted onshaft 104 for movement between an upright position and a lying positionwith respect tov indicator supporter 103. An indicator for moving themicrofiche sheet back and forth for detect ing a desired frame ismounted between supporter 103 and hold-down plate 105.

An arm 108 extending above indicator supporter 103 projects from theright end of the front side of base plate support frame 85 and has ahandle 109 secured to its front portion. Inserted in handle 109 is anindication pin 110; which bears at its front endon indicatorhold-downplate 105 by its own weight. Indication pin 110 can move in andout of'handle 109 while sliding on an inclined surface of hold-downplate 105 as handle 109 is moved along the inclined surface. Dislodgingof indication pin 110 is precluded by suitable means.

In projecting a picture of desired information on the screen, handle 109is operated to trace the indicator with indication pin 110 so as to moveand bring the desired frame of the microfichesheet into index with theoptical axis 0,. Movement of the microfiche sheet along its columns canbe obtained by axially moving base plate support frame 85' in slidingmotion along shafts cause of the meshing engagement of gears 82 atopposite ends of shaft with racks 83 disposed above rails 79. Thus,friction of a suitable degree is produced between rails 79 and rollers81 and precludes movement of base plate support frame by the force ofinertia.

Presser plate support frame 93 has depending fins 111, 112 at oppositesides thereof. If base support frame 85 is pulled greatly toward fixedshaft 91 and the two plates 84, 92 are moved out of the range ofmovement of the microfiche sheet for detection of a desired frame, thendepending fins 111, 112 ride up on fixed shaft 91. This moves presserplate support frame 93 and presser plate 92 away from base plate supportframe 85 into the upright position, thereby permitting a microfichesheet to be taken out or mounted.

The foregoing description refers to a preferred embodiment of microfilmfeed means 6 and a preferred embodoment of microfilm feed means 6 andpreferred embodiment of microfiche holding means 66 to be used with thereader printer 1 according to this invention. It is to be-understood,however, that any other means can take the place of means 6 and 66. Thepicture of a frame carrying desired information on a reduced scaleplaced in the projection position by'either microfilm feed mean 6 ormicrofiche holding means 66 is projected through the projection lensassembly in bodytube 28 shown in FIG. 3 and first and first-and secondreflectors 29 and, 30 on to screen 2 on an enlarged scale.

Now the projection lens assembly will be described. In FIGS. 8 and 9 theprojection lens assembly is shown comprising a projection lens 113 and atrapezoidal prism 114 built in bodytube 28. Focusing of the projectionlens assembly can be obtained by moving bodytube 28 vertically along theoptical axis 0 whilerotation of the projected picture can be obtained byrotating bodytube 28 about the optical axis 0,. l

Bodytube 28 is formed at its upper end with a flange 115 which rests onan'offset portion 117 formed in a rotation cylinder 116 so that bodytube28 may be loosely received in rotation cylinder 116..Rotation cylinder116 which is fonned with a serration 118 on an outer circumferentialsurface of an upper end portion thereof rests at its upper end portionon a threaded tube 119 which is formed with a'serration 120 on an outercircumferential surface of an upper end portion thereof so that rotationcylinder 116 may be loosely re ceived in threaded cylinder 119. Formedon an outer circumferential surface of threaded cylinder 119 is athreaded portion 121 which is maintainedin threadable engagement with athreaded portion 124 formed. on'an inner circumferential surface of areceiving cylinder 123 supported by an immovable support plate122. Re-

ceiving cylinder 123 is. secured to support plate 1 22 by 131respectively so as to apply, to some degree, a brake to gears 127 and127.

Gears 126 and 127 are also maintained in meshing engagement with gears136 and 137 respectively. Gears 136 and 137 are secured to one of theends of shafts 140 and 141 which are loosely supported by support plate122 through bearings 138 and 1.39 respectively.

I A bodytube rotating knob 142 is attached to the opposite end of shaft140 from gear 136, while a bodytube vertically moving knob 143 isattached to the opposite end of shaft 141 from gear 137. Thus by knobs142 and 143' manually, it is possible to effect focusing and rotation ofa projected image.

Referring to FIG. 3 again, a blower 144 is mounted forwardy of lightsource lamp 25 to effect drawing of air by suction through a cooling airpassageway formed by the indexing of the slots 33 and 34 formed in topplate 31 with the slot 46 formed in microfilm feed means 6 as shown inFIG. 6 or the slots 72 and 73 formed in microfiche holding means 66 asshown in I FIG. 7. This is effective to preclude overheating of parts inthe vicinity of lamp 25 by the heat produced thereby.

Lamp 25 is adapted to be lit when the main switch is closed to emitlight of a predetermined amount when projection of information iscarried out. However, when a duplicate of information is to be made,lamp 25 isconnected, after printing instruction button 20 is depressed,to a resistance circuit, in conjunction with movement of secondreflector 30, which undergoes changes as exposure control knob 21 isturned, so that lamp 25 emits light of a proper quantity. The stream ofcooling air produced by blower 144 is conducted to duplicate tray 13,thereby contributing to early drying of duplicates made.

The construction of the printer section of reader printer 1 according tothis invention will now be described. In FIG. 3, second reflector 30 isdisposed in the path of light reflected by first reflector 29, and alight intercepting plate 145 is mounted rearwardly of second reflector30 to provide shielding for the leakage of light. Formation of a path ofexposure light can be obtained by moving second reflector 30 and lightintercepting plate 145 away from the plate of light reflected by firstreflector 29. That is, an electrophotographic photosensitive sheet 146disposed in an exposure position is exposed to an optical image of theinformation carried by a frame by permitting the light emanating fromthe projection lens assembly to move straight ahead after beingreflected by first reflector 29.

As shown in FIG. 14, second reflector 30 is secured constitute supportarms 158 andl59 as shown in FIG.

14. Support arms 158 and 159 are supported for pivotal motion at theirbases by a shart 160 disposed near to and rearwardly of lamp 25 as shownin FIG. 3 and normally urged by the biasing force of a spring 161 topivot clockwise. about shaft 160 in FIG. 10. When second reflector 30 isin its operative or projection position shown in FIG. 3 in which it isoperative to reflect toward screen 2 the light reflected by firstreflector 29, the angle at which the biasing force is exerted by spring161 is reduced to such a degree that the biasing force is almost nil.

Loosely connected to a middle portion of support arm 158 through a shaft163 is a connection bar 162 which is connected through a'shaft 164 toone end portion of a pivotal arm 165 which is connected at the other endportion to a tubular shaft 168 through screws 166, 167 as shown in FIG.13. Tubular shaft 168 is loosely supported on a bearing 170 which issecured to an immovable member or wall 171 by connecting a flange 172thereof to wall 171 by screws 173, 174.

Also, mounted on bearing 170 is a gear 175 having an arm securedto oneside thereof by screws 176, 177, 178 and 179 as shown in FIG. 12.Rotatably supported in bearing 170 is a round shaft portion 182 of asquare shaft 181 to whichthe aforementioned shield 145 is secured byscrews 183, 184 as shown in FIG. 14.

A washer 185 is mounted on bearing 170 to preclude the dislodging ofgear 175 and tubular shaft 168. A gear 186 of relatively small diameteris secured to an outer end portion on portion 182 of square shaft 181 bya screw 187. Maintained in meshing engagement with gears 175 and 186 aregears and 191, respectively, which are substantially integral with eachother and rotatably mounted on a shaft 189 secured to wall 171 through anut 188. A screw 192 is connected to shaft 189 to preclude dislodging ofgears 190 and 191 therefrom.

Theother end of square shaft 181 is supported by means similar to meanssupporting tubular shaft 168. A spring 194 is connected to one end of anarm 193 connected at the other end thereof to an outer end portion ofsquare shaft 181 as shown in FIG. 14, so as to urge square shaft 181 torotate counter clockwise in FIG. 10.

Pivotal arm 165 has a protuberance substantially in a center rearportion thereof to which a roller is connected. Another roller 196 isconnected to an end portion of arm 180. Rollers 195 and 196 aremaintained in pressing engagement with cams 197 and 198 by the biasingforces of springs 161 and 194 respectively. Cams 197 and 198 are securedto a shaft 199 and remain stationary when second reflector 30 is in itsoperative position as shown in FIG. 10 with roller 195 being in awithdrawn position and roller 196 being in a projecting position.

Shaft 199, which is rotatably supported by an immovable member (notshown) in the machine, supports'a first control cam 200 and a secondcontrol cam 201 at the end portion thereof opposite cams 197 and 198 anda sprocket wheel 202 at the same end portion thereof as cams 197 and 198as shown in FIG. 14. Sprocket wheel 202 is connected to another sprocketwheel 204 by a chain 203 against which a tension wheel 205 is maintainedin pressing engagement. Sprocket wheel 204 is supported by one end of ashaft 206 which is supported by the same immovable member which supportsshaft 199. Shaft 206 mounts at the other end thereof a sprocket wheel207 through an electromagnetic clutch 208. Sprocket wheel 207 isconnected by a chain 209 to a drive source (not shown), andelectromagnetic clutch 208 is operated at a suitable time after theprinting instruction button is depressed to connect sprocket wheel 207to shaft 206 to drive the same.

First control cam 200 is formed in its periphery with short cutouts 209and 210 which are disposed at diametrically opposed positions withrespect to shaft 199 as shown in FIG. 15a. Second control cam 201 isformed in its periphery with a rather long cutout 211 as shown in FIG.15b. Short cutout 209 and long cutout 211 are axially aligned with eachother. An actuator tromagnetic clutch 208.

When electromagnetic clutch 208 is inoperative and second reflector 30is in its operative position, actuators 214 and 215 are in engagementwith cutouts 209 and 211 respectively, so that switches 212 and 213 areboth open. Electromagnetic clutch 208 is connected to a control circuitconsisting of switches 212 and 213, a sheet detection switch 216a or216b shown in FIG. 3 and adapted to be actuated when a sheet moves, anda switch (not shown) connected to a timer. Instructions for operationproduced by the control circuit upon depression of printing constructionbutton actuate electromagnetic clutch 208.

Chain 209 and sprocket wheel 207 are successively in operation afterprinting instruction button 20 is depressed. If electromagnetic clutch208 is actuated to connect sprocket wheel 207 to'shaft 206, than shaft206 is driven to rotate in the direction of an arrow a in .FIG. 14.Rotation of shaft 206 in the direction of the arrow a is transmittedthrough sprocket wheel 204, chain 203 and sprocket wheel 202 to shaft199. Rotation of shaft 199 causes cams 200 and 201 to rotate. This firstbrings actuator 214 out of engagement with cutout 211, with the resultthe electromagnetic clutch 208 is maintained in the operative positionand shaft 199 continues to rotate. One-half revolution of cams 200 and201 brings the actuator 214 for switch 212 into engagement with cutout210 to open switch 212, thereby rendering electromagnetic clutch 208inoperative and interrupting rotation of shaft 199.

When shaft 199 has made one-half revolution from its initial position asshown in FIG. 11, the roller 195 of pivotal arm 165 is. disposed in itsfrontmost position after being pushed by cam 197 while the roller 196 ofarm 180 is maintained in engagement with a minimum diameter portion ofcam 196 to move arm 180 to its rearmost position, thereby pushing andmoving pivotal arm 165 forwardly. v

. Forward movement of pivotal arm 165 causes, through connection bar162, the support arms 158, 159 for second reflector 30 to moveforwardly, with the result that second-reflector 30 moves to adash-and-dot line position 30A shown in FIG. 3 in which it is disposedimmediately rearwardly of screen 2 and completely shields the same. Onthe other hand, am 180 shown in FIG. 3, thereby opening a path forexposure light 0,.

A normally open switch 217 for giving instructions for exposure ismounted at the back of an upper end of support plate 157 for secondreflector 30 as shown in FIG. 14. Switch 217 has an actuator 218 whichis released from engagement with support plate 157 upon movement ofsecond reflector 30 to its exposure position. This causes lamp 25 to beconnected to an exposure power supply circuit, thereby permittingexposure of the photosensitive sheet to an optical image of the desiredinformation with a quantity of light which has been set by operatingexposure control knob 21 shown in FIG. 2.

Following elapsing of a predetermined exposure time, lamp 25 is turnedoff by the action of timer and an instruction for operation is given toelectromagnetic clutch 208. This brings electromagnetic clutch 208 intoconnection with sprocket 207 and shaft 206 again and causes shaft 199,whose rotation has been interrupted after it has made one-halfrevolution, to start rotating again. Rotation of shaft 199 releases theactuator 214 for normally open switch 212 from engagement with thecutout 210 of first control cam 200 and closes switch 212, therebypermitting electromagnetic clutch 208 to continue its operation.

Rotation of shaft 199 also causes cams 197 and 198,-

which'have maintained second reflector 30 and light intercepting platein their exposure positions, to rotate again to restore reflector 30 andlight intercepting plate 145 to their initial or projection positionsshown in FIG. 10. The shape and configuration of cams 197 and 198 areset such that restoration of reflector 30 to its projection positionprecedes restoration of light intercepting plate 145 to its projectionposition.

engagement with cutouts 209 and 211 respectively and switches 212 and213 are opened. At this time, electromagnetic clutch 208 is renderedinoperative and shafts 206 and 199 stop rotating, thereby rendering allthe elements related to the movement of second reflector30 and shield145 inoperative. i

In FIG. 3, a roll of photosensitive strip 219 having a photoconductivematerial layer in its inner surface and rotatably supported by a shaft220 is disposed rightwardly upwardly of reader printer 1 or inwardly oflid 7 shown in FIG. 1. A leading end portion 219a passes through a pairof photosensitive sheet feed rollers 221 to sheet cutting means 224comprising a fixed cutter and a movable cutter 223.

The pair of photosensitive sheet feed rollers 221 make one completerevolution when printing instruction button 20 is depressed to give aninstruction to start the feeding of photosensitive sheets. This causesleading end portion 219a to be fed to a pair of photosensitive sheetstraightening and transporting rollers 225 which are adapted to rotatecontinuously upon depression of printing instruction button 20, so thatleading end portion 219a is delivered to electrically charging means226. When leading end portion 2191: is nepped by rollers 225, feedrollers 221 merely rotate in slaved relation to movement of thephotosensitive strip which is paid out successively from roll 219.Abrake plate 227 supported at its base by a shaft connected to lid 7 ismaintained lightly in engagement with roll 219 by its own weight. Brake227 is effective to prevent excess photosensitive strip from being paidout from roll 219 by inertia. The aforementioned photosensitive sheetsupply means may be replaced by means which supply photosensitive sheetscut to a predetermined size beforehand.

Electrically charging means 226 comprises chargers 230 and 231 havingwire electrodes 228 and 229 respectively and juxtaposed to each other.Successive portions of the leading portion 219a of photosensitive strippassing between chargers 230 and 231 are electrically charged. Theelectrically charging means shown and described is of the so-calleddouble charger type, but means of the single charger type may also beused. In some cases, a charger having a needle electrode may be used.

The leading end portion 219a of photosenstive strip moving forwardlyafter being electrically charged uniformly is delivered tophotosensitive sheet transporting and positioning means 232 provided ina position in which the light moving along the path of exposure lightforms an image.

Photosensitive sheet transporting and positioning means 232 comprises aplurality of perforated endless belts 237 entrained about belt rollers233, 234, 235 and 236 to form a planar surface disposed normal to thepath of exposure light 0 and a suction box 240 disposed within the runsof endless belts 237 and formed with a multitude of suction openings 238formed in a surface thereof which is exposed to the path of exposurelight 0,, the suction box being connected to a suction pump 239 fordrawing air by suction. Alignment of the openings formed in endlessbelts 237 with the suction openings 238 formed in suction box 240permits a photosensitive sheet placed on the planar surface to be drawnby suction toward the surface and held in place.

Endless belts 237 continuously move in the direction of an arrow bfollowing depression of printing instruction button 20. A plurality ofhold-down rollers 231, 242 are maintained, through endless belts 237, inpressing engagement with the belt roller 236 disposed at the side fromwhich leading end portion of photosensitive strip 219a is intorducedinto the planar surface provided by endless belts 237. Leading endportion 219a is nipped by holddown roller 24land endless belts 237 andmoved overendless belts 237 while being drawn by suction toward thebelts. Hold-down roller 242 rotates in a cirection opposite to thedirection of rotation of hold-down roller 241 or opposite to thedirection of movement of leading end portion 21%, thereby precludingdeflection of leading end portion 219a from its predetermined path.

The aforesaid sheet detection switches 216a, 216b are disposeddownstream of electrically charging means 226 and holddown roller 241respectively and spaced apart from sheet cutting means 224 distancescorresponding to a length of a halfsize sheet and a length of afull-size sheet respectively. On the other hand, stop switches 243a,243b are mounted in a middle portion of the planar surface formed byendless belts 237 and in a terminal portion thereof respectively.Switches 216a and 243a are adapted to be actuated only whenphotosensitive sheet size setting knob 16 is set at a half-size whileswitches 216k and 241% are adapted to be actuated only when knob 16 isset at a full-size.

Assuming that photosensitive sheet size setting knob 16 is set at ahalf-size and printing instruction button 20 is depressed, aninstruction to start operation will be issued to sheet cutting means 224when leading end portion 219a of photosensitive strip depresses switch216a so that leading end portion 219a will be cut to a length of ahalf-size sheet. At the same time, an instruction to start moving to theexposure positions will be issued to second reflector 30 and shield sothat movement of reflector 30 and shield 145 will be started. Anelectrically charged half-size sheet 1 46 produced by cutting leadingend portion 219a will depress switch 243a disposed in the middle portionof the pla nar surface provided by endless belts 237 so that movement ofbelts 237 will be interrupted. Thus, sheet 146 will be positioned in aforward portion of the planar surface and exposed to an optical image ofthe desired information.

In case photosensitive sheet size setting knob 16 is set at a full-size,leading end portion 219a of photosensitive strip will be cut into afull-size sheet 148 when switch 2l6b is depressed. Full-size sheet 148which is already electrically charged will be positioned on the planarsurface provided by endless belts 237 when stop switch 243b is depressedand exposed to an optical image of the desired information.

A hold-down roller 244 is maintained, through endless belts 237, inpressing engagement with the belt roller 233 for endless belts 237 whichis disposed on the photosensitive sheet discharge side. Thephotosensitive sheet 146 on which an electrostatic latent image isformed by exposure is delivered by holddown roller 244 and endless belts237 to developing means 245 disposed downstream thereof after remainingstationary on the planar surface for a time interval required foreffecting exposure, the endless belts 237 being under the influence ofthe timer to start moving again after the aforementioned time intervalhas elapsed.

Developing means 245 comprises a developing liquid tank 247 containingtherein a mixture of a toner and a developing liquid 246, a guide plate248 and a number of rows of guide fins 249 disposed in the developingliquid tank in upper and lower portions thereof to define aphotosensitive sheet passageway, and a pair of squeeze rollers 250 and apair of blotter rollers 251 disposed downstream of developing liquidtank 247. The exposed photosensitive sheet 146 delivered by endlessbelts 237 and hold-down roller 244 is passed between guide plate 248 andguide fins 249 and moves through developing liquid tank 247 while beingmaintained in contact with the developing liquid therein, so that theelectrostatic latent image on the sheet 146 is developed and convertedinto a visible image.

Mounted beyond the pair of blotter rollers 251 are a vertically arrangedtape-like endless belt 254 entrained about belt rollers 252, 253 to movein the direction of an arrow 0, an obliquely arranged tape-like endlessbelt 256 entrained about belt rollers 253, 255 to move in the directionof an arrow d, and an endless belt 259 entrained about belt rollers 257,258 and disposed in sideby side relation with endless belt 256 to rotatein the direction of an arrow e. Disposed above the pair of blotterrollers 251 is a blower 260 adapted to dry the developed photosensitivesheet and change its direction of movement. 1

Developed photosensitive sheet 246 is dried after excess developingliquid is removed therefrom by the wiping of the rollers 251 and has itsdirection of movement changed by the air pressure to enter betweenendless belts 256 and 259 which transport the developed photosensitivesheet and discharge the same on duplicate tray 13. One of the pair ofsqueeze rollers 250 is a sponge roller while the other roller is made ofmetal with or without a coat of a non-metallic material applied to itssurface. A cleaner 261 is maintained in pressing engagement with thesqueeze rollers to remove therefrom the toner adhering thereto.

Developing means 245 and other means disposed downstream thereof areunder the influence of the timer so that they continuously operatefollowing depression of printing instruction button till a duplicate ofthe information is placed on tray 13. In case duplicate number settingdial 22 is set at a plurality of duplicates, a required size and numberof photosensitive sheets will be fed, electrically charged and exposedto an optical image of the desired information under the influence of asuitable counter. Developing means 245 and various means disposeddownstream thereof will remain operative until a required number ofduplicates are prepared.

The developing means 245 shown and described herein is a so-called wettype developing means. It is to be understood that, in place of thisdeveloping means, any known dry type developing means of the magneticbrush, hair brush or cascade type may be employed in this invention.

What I claim Is:

1. A reader printer comprising (a) a casing; (b) meansmounted on and atthe front of the casing for moving a transparency in a direction toplace a required portion thereof in a projection position; (c) lightsource means disposed in the casing beneath the projection position forprojecting an image of the required portion of the transparency forduplicating the information in the portion; (d) a projection lensassembly disposed in the casing above the projection position; (e) afirst reflector disposed in the casing above the projection lensassembly and arranged to reflect the light emanating from the projectionlens assembly to direct it to a lower rear portion of the casing; (f) asecond reflector in the casing arranged to reflect the light reflected.by the first reflector and direct it to a front portion of the casing;(g) a screen of the light transmission type disposed in an opening inthe front portion of the casing and in a position in which the lightreflected by the second reflector forms an image thereon; (h)

second reflector support means including two spaced support armspivotally disposed in the casing below the second reflector forsupporting the second reflector at their upper ends and a shaft disposedin the lower portion of the casing rearwardly adjacent said light sourcemeans and supporting said support arms at their bases for pivotingastride said light source means; (i) means for operating the secondreflector support means to pivot the second reflector from its operativeposition in which it is disposed in the path of light reflected by thefirst reflector to reflect the light and project the same on the screento its inoperative position in which it is disposed adjacent to thescreen to shield against light entering the casing; (j) photosensitivesheet transporting andpositioning means disposed in the casing in aposition'in which the light reflected by the first reflector forms animage thereon when the second reflector is disposed in its inoperativeposition; (It) photosensitive sheet feed means for supplyingphotosensitive sheets to the photosensitive transporting and positioningmeans; and (l) developing means disposed downstream of thephotosensitive sheet transporting and positioning means for developingthe photosensitive sheets delivered thereby.

2. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said transparencymoving means is microfiche holding means comprising a transparent baseplate and a transparent presser plate bearing on the base plate, saidbase plate and said presser plate being adapted to hold a microfichesheet therebetween and movable so as to permit a desired frame ofinformation to be detected and placed in the projection position.

3. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the casing is formedin its front lower portion with a recess provided with a top platehaving two screws connected to a forward portion thereof and a headedpin connected to a rearward portion thereof, and the transparency movingmeans comprises a microfilm feed means including a support plate formedtherein with two threaded openings. adapted to threadably receive saidscrews therein and a cutout adapted to engage said headed pin so as tofaciliate mounting of the microfilm feed means in the recess of thecasing.

4. Areader printer as set forth in claim 2 wherein the casing is formedin its front lower portion with a recess provided with a top platehaving two screws connected to a forward portion thereof and a headedpin connected to a rearward portion thereof, and the microfiche holdingmeans includes a support plate formed therein with threaded openingsadapted to threadably receive said screws therein and a cutout adaptedto engage said headed pin so as to facilitate mounting of the microficheholding means in the recess of the casing.

5. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second reflectorsupport means is under the influence of a spring connected thereto at anangle such that the angle at which the spring exerts its biasing forceon the second reflector support means is reduced to such adegree thatthe biasing force is almost nil when thesecond reflector support meanssupports the second reflector in its projection position. I

6. A reader printer as set forth inclaim ,,1 wherein said means foroperating the second reflector support means comprises a cam, a pivotalarm adapted to move in slaved relation to said cam, and a connecting barconnecting said pivotal arm to the second reflector support means.

7. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a lightintercepting plate disposed adjacent to said second reflector in itsoperative position and adapted to be pivoted in the opposite directionthere from in conjunction with the pivoting of the second reflector toits inoperative position and by the means for operating the secondreflector support means.

8. A reader printer as set'froth in claim 7 wherein said lightintercepting plate is connected to the means for operating the secondreflector support means through a gear train adapted to increase thepivotal movement of an arm.

9. a reader printer as set forth in claim 1 wherein an operation panelis provided beneath the screen, and a duplicate tray is providedbeneaththe operation panel;

1. A reader printer comprising (a) a casing; (b) means mounted on and atthe front of the casing for moving a transparency in a direction toplace a required portion thereof in a projection position; (c) lightsource means disposed in the casing beneath the projection position forprojecting an image of the required portion of the transparency forduplicating the information in the portion; (d) a projection lensassembly disposed in the casing above the projection position; (e) afirst reflector disposed in the casing above the projection lensassembly and arranged to reflect the light emanating from the projectionlens assembly to direct it to a lower rear portion of the casing; (f) asecond reflector in the casing arranged to reflect the light reflectedby the first reflector and direct it to a front portion of the casing;(g) a screen of the light transmission type disposed in an opening inthe front portion of the casing and in a position in which the lightreflected by the second reflector forms an image thereon; (h) secondreflector support means including two spaced support arms pivotallydisposed in the casing below the second reflector for supporting thesecond reflector at their upper ends and a shaft disposed in the lowerportion of the casing rearwardly adjacent said light source means andsupporting saId support arms at their bases for pivoting astride saidlight source means; (i) means for operating the second reflector supportmeans to pivot the second reflector from its operative position in whichit is disposed in the path of light reflected by the first reflector toreflect the light and project the same on the screen to its inoperativeposition in which it is disposed adjacent to the screen to shieldagainst light entering the casing; (j) photosensitive sheet transportingand positioning means disposed in the casing in a position in which thelight reflected by the first reflector forms an image thereon when thesecond reflector is disposed in its inoperative position; (k)photosensitive sheet feed means for supplying photosensitive sheets tothe photosensitive transporting and positioning means; and (l)developing means disposed downstream of the photosensitive sheettransporting and positioning means for developing the photosensitivesheets delivered thereby.
 2. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1wherein said transparency moving means is microfiche holding meanscomprising a transparent base plate and a transparent presser platebearing on the base plate, said base plate and said presser plate beingadapted to hold a microfiche sheet therebetween and movable so as topermit a desired frame of information to be detected and placed in theprojection position.
 3. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe casing is formed in its front lower portion with a recess providedwith a top plate having two screws connected to a forward portionthereof and a headed pin connected to a rearward portion thereof, andthe transparency moving means comprises a microfilm feed means includinga support plate formed therein with two threaded openings adapted tothreadably receive said screws therein and a cutout adapted to engagesaid headed pin so as to facilitate mounting of the microfilm feed meansin the recess of the casing.
 4. A reader printer as set forth in claim 2wherein the casing is formed in its front lower portion with a recessprovided with a top plate having two screws connected to a forwardportion thereof and a headed pin connected to a rearward portionthereof, and the microfiche holding means includes a support plateformed therein with threaded openings adapted to threadably receive saidscrews therein and a cutout adapted to engage said headed pin so as tofacilitate mounting of the microfiche holding means in the recess of thecasing.
 5. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the secondreflector support means is under the influence of a spring connectedthereto at an angle such that the angle at which the spring exerts itsbiasing force on the second reflector support means is reduced to such adegree that the biasing force is almost nil when the second reflectorsupport means supports the second reflector in its projection position.6. A reader printer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means foroperating the second reflector support means comprises a cam, a pivotalarm adapted to move in slaved relation to said cam, and a connecting barconnecting said pivotal arm to the second reflector support means.
 7. Areader printer as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a lightintercepting plate disposed adjacent to said second reflector in itsoperative position and adapted to be pivoted in the opposite directiontherefrom in conjunction with the pivoting of the second reflector toits inoperative position and by the means for operating the secondreflector support means.
 8. A reader printer as set forth in claim 7wherein said light intercepting plate is connected to the means foroperating the second reflector support means through a gear trainadapted to increase the pivotal movement of an arm.
 9. a reader printeras set forth in claim 1 wherein an operation panel is provided beneaththe screen, and a duplicate tray is provided beneath the operationpanel.